Thursday 5 May 2016

Finding A Firm For Guitar Amp Repair

By Henry Ward


If you own a guitar amplifier, both transistor and tube models will need routine health checks, and occasionally faults will have to be repaired. Many players will at some point need to find a suitable guitar amp repair. A few things should be taken into consideration before you have any work carried out on your expensive equipment.

There are two types of amplifier used by musicians and these are stand alone head units or combo amplifiers with integrated speakers. The price of repairs or inspections will vary depending on how many spare parts are needed and the complexity of the problem. Combos seem to be a more popular choice due to their compact size and lower purchase costs.

A vacuum tube amp will need regular attention to keep it working safely and efficiently. The tubes will need changing sometimes and many guitarists will carry spares in their case. They can be replaced in the home or at the gig but you should always have any major work done by a qualified amp engineer to guarantee that it is done correctly.

If the amp is a solid state model, a regular service is still highly recommended and some of the little jobs can be carried out in the home. Small repairs can be done with only a few basic tools such as a soldering iron and the correct type of screw driver. More complex faults will usually need the attention of an amp technician and most musical instrument stores will offer a reliable repair service.

The spares needed to repair your amplifier can usually be found on the internet or in your local guitar store. When you are buying components you should ensure that they are covered by a guarantee and that they have passed the relevant inspections. Second hand items can be utilized and in the case of speakers this can be a much cheaper way to carry out basic repairs.

When you are buying parts there are a few of things to think about beforehand. It is advisable to use original spares and many vintage amps can still be repaired using factory original parts. Due to the high value of some vintage amplifiers it is strongly recommended that you have the factory or an authorized dealer to do the work.

For the amateur amp repairer there are publications now available with diagrams and step by step videos can be purchased. After ensuring that the correct spares have been purchased and the appropriate tools are available you can start on your repairs. Always have your work examined by an engineer as many clubs will need certificates for any equipment used at their venues.

The price that you will pay for your amplifier repairs and servicing will alter depending on how many new parts are needed and the man hours required to do the job. A simple fault can be put right for just a few dollars but a complicated job can often run into thousands. Be aware that if your amplifier has to be sent to another location for the repairs, the carriage costs and insurance will have to be taken into account, and added on to the price of the job.




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